Posted by HWooldridge on Monday, September 30, 2002 at 11:55AM :
In Reply to: Any Structural Engineers out there , need advice posted by Paul (in NY) on Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 10:15PM :
About 20 years ago, I did the low voltage control wiring for an engine test facility at Southwest Research. It was designed for 30 engines up to very large diesels. In addition to the overhead hoist to move the engines, they had a very heavy slab with a drain basin in each compartment. As I recall, the engines were all held by 4" box tubing with 1/4" wall but the frames were completely adjustable to fit different engines. There were several plates with a variety of holes for bolt patterns and rails that fit on same. The plates bolted to the floor and then the rails to them. Each compartment also had an individual manifold with quick disconnect outlets for water, gas, diesel, propane, etc, and an exhaust manifold that captured, analysed and scrubbed gases. The isolation (motor) mounts were attached to the rails and then to the engines. You might want to consider different methods of movement such as casters, depending on whether you want it stationary.